New Fed science committee

A new standing committe on science and technology has been announced by the Federal government.

Science Minister Peter McGauran said the House of Representatives committee would expand the government's knowledge of and support for R&D.

The committee was championed by the Federation of Australian and Scientific Technological Societies (FASTS), McGauran said, "and I congratulate FASTS on its advocacy which has resulted in this important initiative."

McGauran said the 10-member, all-party committee would be chaired by a government MP, who is to be elected when the committee meets for the first time this week.

"It is an extremely exciting time to be involved in science and innovation in Australia, and the formation of the new standing committee will provide further opportunities to consider issues associated with the science portfolio," McGauran said.

"Ensuring new developments in the science and innovation industry extend throughout Australia into rural and regional areas will be one of the key roles of the committee.

"Australians have always benefited from advances in science and innovation and I look forward to the committee helping the government work in partnership with the science community to deliver excellent results in the future."